Josh Dawkin, fresh back from Welsh Under-17 duties, netted the all important goal just past the half hour to claim all three points for Norwich in this re-arranged fixture at Stonehand Lane. An April afternoon to savour, weather wise, it was Norwich who came close to scoring in the opening minutes. Firstly a Francomb corner saw Stephens power a header just inches wide of Smith’s right hand post, then from a well-flighted Habergham free kick from the left Kelly headed over the crossbar. On twenty five minutes Hughes received a perfect pass and created room around the penalty area to bring out a top class save from Steer, diving to his left to palm the ball away for a corner. Thirty one minutes and Norwich went in front. After bringing the ball out of defence, midfielder Ball found Dawkin and with his sights on goal the Welshman unleashed the ball from all of twenty five yards and his shot skimmed along the turf with pace past Smith to score. Two minutes later Bogard tried to swerve the ball around Steer, but the Norwich keeper was more than equal to the ball in saving. On forty one minutes Kelly powered forward after a long kick out by Steer but did not take full advantage when clear in the penalty area. Just before half time Portsmouth may well have levelled the scores. Hughes weaved in and out of yellow shirts before shooting for goal, only again to see Steer divert the ball away, with Covlier following up smashing the ball against the crossbar. Portsmouth attacked from the start of the second half with the benefit of the breeze and would surely have found the net had it not been for Stephens who deflected an attempt on goal by Bogard away to safety. On fifty seven minutes Dawkin should have added to his first half strike. As the ball was whipped in from the right flank Dawkin managed to swing a boot around the ball, but Smith somehow kept the ball from entering the net. Portsmouth midfielder Covlier then brought out another fine save from Steer from a direct free kick, the England Under-17 keeper saving at his near post. Norwich’s raids on goal were kept to a minimum and it was the Norwich defence commanded by Stephens who kept their slim lead intact and the Portsmouth strike force at bay. City Line-Up: Steer, Francomb, Habergham, Ball (Drmola 71), Dumic, Stephens, Clarke (Oakley 80), Omoregie, Daley, Kelly, Dawkin. Sub not used: Grieveson. Portsmouth Line-Up: T Smith, Tallack, Gregory, Goddard, Ryan, Mantyla, Watts, Covlier (Collins 85), M Smith (Martin 75), Hughes (O'Brien 88), Bogard. Subs not used: Woodford, Stockford. Top Canary: George Francomb.

Under-18 Match Action

Match Report by Rob Maynard, photos courtesy of John Landamore.